Chia Seeds...Not just for Chia Pets Anymore

The first time I heard the words "chia seeds," I thought, "hmmm, so that must be how you grow a Chia Pet." Okay, I am probably aging myself because I haven't seen one of those commercials in ages...or maybe I just dvr everything these days? Well, it turns out I was right! Chia seeds are used to create Chia Pets, but who knew all those years I spent as a kid willing my parents to buy me a little plant that would grow into the shape of a bunny that I could give haircuts, the seed that started it all has serious nutritional benefits!

It turns out, these little seeds that resemble dark brown sesame seed are ⅓ oil, ⅓ protein and ⅓ soluble fiber. That oil is broken down into omega 3 and omega 6. The chia seed also contains amino acids, antioxidants, calcium and iron. And, drum roll please, they are GLUTEN FREE! All good stuff!


When you compare a Chia seed to other seeds, like a Flax seed, the Chia seed has 10 times the concentration of oil giving it a longer shelf life and eliminating the need to grind the seed for digestion. The Chia seed also has two times the protein!


Being so oily, when you wet a Chia seed, it turns, ooh get ready...jelly-like. I know, gross. But I put mine in smoothies so I never notice it. In fact, the name comes from the Aztec word "chian," which means "oily."  The seed itself comes from the annual herb native to Mexico called Salvia hispanica...it belongs to the mint family.

You can bake with these super nutritious little seeds, put the sprouts on sandwiches (after you give your chia pet a haircut), add the seeds to drinks, sprinkle in soups or salads...it is so easy to incorporate into your diet.

If you want to try one of these protein shakes I am talking about, I use Arbonne Protein Shake powder and it has 20 grams vegan protein per shake. It comes in Vanilla and Chocolate and I have delicious recipes to share. With a 30 Days to Feeling Fit program to back it up, you will be lose weight and feel better in no time! I have done it myself. Contact me at amyw@myarbonne.com to learn more and for an upcoming contest where you can win an iPad.

Till next time...Dream big, work smart!